Adventures in Motherhood

Tide Story

2012-02-08T09:11:00.001-08:00

I ran out of laundry detergent the other day. Having 2 messy lil' boys & 1 very messy Hubby makes this a not so good thing. Not to mention the fact that it's been a muddy mess outside, the eldest child wet his bed the other night and Mommy had to walk through the calf pen in her running shoes! The laundry had piled up as it always does and since we were running out of clothes, bed sheets and shoes... off to town we went for some soap.

We live in a rual area. Normally I'm all for buying locally unless it's laundry soap! Seriously... $25.00 for Tide, really?! So Wal-Mart is my spot for cleaning supplies. I was at Wal-Mart last week and forgot the soap... this is BAD! Now normally since we've had children Tide doesn't fit the budget so I buy Gain. I wash the clothes never paying any attention to what they smell like as long as they come out clean.

Tide was what I brought home yesterday since it was by far the best buy. After the first of 7 loads I knew I had something special. The coveralls and poop covered shoes smelled of Mountain Fresh Air as did the laundry room! The freshly washed and dried towels smelled like Grandma according to the Eldest Son. Even the cat seemed to be enjoying the new scent, rolling happily in the loads of unwashed clothes piled on the floor!

He must love Tide too!

So I'm hooked! That's my Tide Story... what's yours?!

Snow?! I Thought it Was Spring!

2012-01-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning! Weird considering the warm temps we've been seeing over the past several weeks. Max was the first to spot it since he was up making sure Daddy got out to do the calf chores right away at 6. Jaxon slept in till 6:15, that's late for him!

We spent our morning digging out the playroom so I treated the boys to an afternoon of sledding in the 1/2 inch of snow we got! (Who knows, this may be the only snow we see this winter!)

This was Max's 1st sled ride. Jaxon was not too happy about having to ride in the back!

This became a fun game... that and bailing out while flying down the slopes!

Max was making a snow angel!

Here's Jaxon making his snow angel!

Of course they both had to taste it!

Yummy!

Not sure if he's trying to be an abominable snow man or what?!

The snowplow made a pass through the driveway so we can get to school in the morning!!!

If this is the only snow we see this winter... I wouldn't be too disappointed!

SHHHH... don't tell the kids!!!

Bathroom Break

2012-01-11T14:47:00.000-08:00

Want to see what happens when Mommy decides to take a bathroom break w/out help?!

Take a look!

YAY me!

Coffee Anyone?!

2012-01-09T07:40:00.000-08:00

I've actually been going to bed each night excited to wake up in the morning... not sure that's ever happened before! Why you ask?! Because of this little machine!!!

Keurig - best coffee drinker's invention EVER!!!

The boys have been getting great enjoyment out of it too! Jaxon LOVES hot chocolate... the Keurig makes the very best he's ever had (he claims)! Max LOVES to watch the machine at work and insists on using a coffee mug for his juice each day now! If anyone can tell me where to find a plastic coffee mug that comes w/ a lid, let me know!

Jaxon ran us out of hot chocolate K-Cups over the weekend and is devastated that he now has to use the mix packs again for awhile till we go back to the store. We are wanting to try some different flavors but are having a hard time deciding what we should try.

Any suggestions?!

My New ADVENTURE

2012-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start another blog! I have enjoyed this one so much that I figured it couldn't hurt to try using a second blog as a way to keep myself from falling off the weight loss bandwagon! I want to keep my adventures w/ the kids separate from my adventures in fitness! I plan to offer recipes, new tips and tricks (that I am trying and that have worked for me), as well as some fun finds from Pinterest! I've had lots of people ask "how" and I'd like to share... check it out!

http://mommysfitnessstory.blogspot.com/

Jaxon's Christmas Program

2011-12-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

This is Jaxon's Sunday School class performing in the Christmas Program at our church.
They are always a BIG hit!

This is the banner I was asked to make for the program.
It's been over 16 years since I was in the program... it was fun to be apart of it again!

I've been working on getting our video uploaded but found out my camcorder isn't compatible with my laptop...
guess I know what I'll be asking SANTA for next year!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

SANTA made it to our house again this year! And boy did we have 2 super, excited little boys! As always SANTA picks a special movie for the kiddos and themes his gifts around that flick! This year's movie was Cars 2! The boys got Cars 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, band-aids and pencils. They also got the movie and the card table pictured below! As well as a whole buncha other good stuff... take a look!

SANTA brought a folding table & chairs set... it's top is a dry erase board, very cool!

He also brought a McDonald's kitchen playset! They're "lov'in it"!

They got a musical instrument set w/ Max's favorite, "shakey eggs"!

And this really cool garage that's sort of like a doll house for boys. Daddy spent lots of time putting that together!

This was the 1st & only present Max showed any interest in ripp'in into!

Pinterest inspired me to make this John Deere flannel board for Jaxon...

and this felt board for Max!

SANTA was good to the boys even though they both shared a seat on the "naughty list"! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

Jaxon's all ready for his Christmas Program! He loves that train sweater and was so excited about wearing it!

Here they both are ready to go. I was shocked to get both of them to stand sort of still and smile!

Max is excited for SANTA to come!

Daddy & his boys!

Mommy & her boys!

Jaxon insisted that Daddy & I get a picture together... he's quite the photographer!

B-I-N-G-0

2011-12-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Found this on Pinterest....

1st square under "I"... yeah, that's MAX!

Fitting considering the topic of my last post!

Where's Your Shoe, Cinderella?!

2011-12-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

If you follow my adventures you already know how very much I loath Holiday shopping in stores. Most gifts were bought on-line this year and will continue to be in the coming years at least until both my boys can stay home w/ a sitter. However there is still a need for groceries during the Holidays and last week we were in dire need.

Snow was in the forecast and Hubby gets his panties in a bunch at the mere thought of the frozen stuff. I knew he'd pull my keys if I attempted to go any other day so after Jaxon got out of PreSchool Monday morning, we set out for an adventure to the land of Wally World... a week from Christmas.

Our lil' adventure started out really well. Since we would get to town at dinner time I decided before we left that we'd stop at McDonald's for lunch. They have Chipmunk toys in their Happy Meals right now and I knew that would make Jaxon's day and work as a bribe all at the same time! To avoid an argument I ordered Max his very 1st Happy Meal (to share w/ Mommy) so he'd get a toy of his own as well. After finishing our dinner we were on our way.

It was cold that day but the parking lot was packed for a Monday afternoon so I didn't even bother trying to get close to the door. We bundled up in our winter gear and pushed our way through the wind to the entrance to Hell! There were people everywhere! I don't if certain individuals get the entire week off for Christmas but I am sure some of those Bozo's should have been doing something other than last minute shopping!

I needed some supplies from the craft isle for Jaxon's Christmas party so we made our way over (to the opposite side of the store that I needed to be on), to hunt for something they didn't carry anyway! And why did they have to go and move the crafts next to the toys?! Jaxon began his usual, "I just want to pick out 1 toy!", routine about the same time that Max decided he'd had enough of riding in the school bus sized cart we always have to get!

I settled with Jaxon on "looking not buying" and we headed over to the toys. Just as we were finishing an argument on whether or not my new niece/nephew would like a "rubbery creature" as a Christmas gift, Max went and kicked off one of his shoes. Luckily I was paying attention. After putting his shoe back on for what must have been the 125th time that day we headed towards the grocery isle.

We had just finished picking out which types of chips to use in our cookies when I noticed that Cinderella was once again missing his shoe! I told Jaxon to walk around the side isle we were in and look on the backside to see if it was lying on the floor... it wasn't. We began backtracking through the store in panic mode and ended up stopping a sales clerk to have her ask over the walkie if anyone had seen a toddler's shoe... no one had.

The clerk suggested that I finish my shopping and ask again at customer service before leaving the store. I decided that was a good idea but figured I might as well stop and look at shoes while we were standing there just in case. We picked out a new pair reluctantly and made our way back to the groceries. I can't even tell you how many things I forgot that day. We ended up going back through several isles several times because all I could think about was how badly I wanted to just be at home!

We wrapped up our shopping and waited in line for 15 minutes at customer service just to discover that no one had found the tiny shoe. I left my name and number and a brief description of the shoe with the clerk and headed to the checkout, sick to my stomach. That shoe was a hand-me-down from Jaxon. It was the shoe both the boys learned to walk in. A tiny pair of Nike Shocks my Mom had bought for Jaxon's 1st birthday... a pair I would have never sold on a garage sale but would have tucked away in a keep sake trunk to show them both one day!

I am still waiting for a phone call... unfortunately it's been over a week now and my hopes have completely faded that the shoe will be returned to us. AND I have now decided (after another trip to Wally World yesterday), that Max's shoes will be removed at the door upon entering... he gave me another scare in the electronic isle! Thank goodness the shoe ended up under the cart this time!!!

Candy Cane Guessing Game

2011-12-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

This is my second attempt to win some cold, hard Christmas cash! My first guess at In Good Measure http://yourlocalsecurity.com/in-good-measure/ was 918... Jaxon's birthday is on the 9th & Max's is the 18th.

My second guess is 1015... me & Hubby's anniversary! Wish me luck!

Counting Down the Days

2011-12-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

We are getting so excited for Christmas around here! A few weeks ago Jaxon already began asking, "How many more days till Christmas, Mom?" Since Jaxon's learning to write numbers at PreSchool I thought it'd be fun to do a countdown. We cut out 26 squares of red construction paper and Jaxon wrote the numbers 0-25 on each square. We began our countdown on the 30th of November and as of today we only have 17 more days till Christmas!

And if you haven't already heard, I'm sponsoring my very first giveaway! Be the first to leave me a comment on My Interview w/ Mark Cuban http://jaxonsstory.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-w-mark-cuban.html on what ways you as a blogger Mommy or Daddy have used your platform to generate income and win two Landmark movie tickets!

Here's Jaxon starting our coutdown!

An Interview w/ Mark Cuban

2011-12-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

My blogger friend, Jeff, recently asked if I'd be interested in sharing part of an interview he had done with business savvy, Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban on his new book, How to Win at the Sport of Business. Using material from his popular Blog Maverick http://blogmaverick.com, Cuban compiles insider knowledge on what it takes to become a thriving entrepreneur.

Cuban tells his own rags-to-riches story of how he went from selling powdered milk and sleeping on friends' couches to owning his own company and becoming a multi-billion dollar success story. His unconventional, yet highly effective ideas on how to build a successful business offer entrepreneurs at any stage of their careers a huge edge over their competitors.

While I am certainly no entrepreneur myself, I would recommend Cuban's book to anyone out there who is interested in turning a profit from their blog. Cuban's book will leave you feeling not only inspired but guided in a direction to help you become the entrepreneur you are striving to become.

The following is only part of Jeff's interview w/ Mark. If you are interested in reading the rest, click on this link... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-rivera/mark-cuban-on-how-to-win-_b_1106048.html.

One part in your book I loved and my heart sank at is when your fiance lost your $7500 ring. What's your advice for those moms out there who are distracted by a relationship? How do you balance a real life with your dreams?

"I never was able to balance. Each person has to make their own decisions. But remember, your competitors aren’t sitting by idly waiting for you to have a nice dinner with your significant other. They are trying to kick your ass. So choose wisely."

Mark, you mentioned that you were approached countless times to write a memoir but instead chose to ePublish. Why?

"The time obligations of a traditional release were more than I was willing to undertake. I couldn’t ask for advances and then not want to do a book tour. Plus, the editorial deadlines were much more forgiving. I made changes hours before the final release."

You have three kids. What life lessons do you give them so that they don't
go through all the heartache that you've gone through?

"That is a life-long process. My oldest daughter is just 8, so we arestill dealing with the basics. But I try to do some things in my businesses that are great for my kids. For instance, we changed the programming on HDNet Movies so that every morning we run commercial-free, kid and family-friendly movies. I was mad that my kids always were so excited about commercials they saw in their favorite shows that I wanted to give them a commercial-free environment."

One of my favorite parts of your book, How to Win at the Sport of Business, that completely broke my heart was when your ex-secretary robbed your first company of over $83,000, leaving you only $2000 after a year of work. If there are moms out there that have lost everything, what advice do you have for them to pick themselves back up?

"Keep working. Don’t feel sorry for yourself because it won’t do any good."

There are many young moms who are just beginning their lives and can relate to
you when you said you were sharing a small apartment with 6 people and
sleeping on the floor. How can someone keep their eye on the prize when they’re
living on Ramen noodles?

"Who cares how you are living today? I loved every minute of living in that dump. The low rent and utilities and eating Mac n’ Cheese all the time allowed me to afford the startup of my business. Instead of paying myself much, I could put it in to my business."

Where can we get a copy of your eBook, How to Win at the Sport of Business?

"Anywhere eBooks are sold: Amazon, BN.com, and sites that support independent bookstores too."

And since I am feeling rather giving w/ it being only 24 more days till Christmas, I am sponsoring my first ever giveaway! Be the first to leave me a comment on what ways you as a blogger Mommy or Daddy have used your platform to generate income and win two Landmark movie tickets! Check out this link for more information!

http://www.hdnetmovies.com/program_categories/kidscene/

All of the Lights

2011-12-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Daddy's a fan of multi-colored lights... Mommy is NOT! Every year Daddy tries to convince Mommy to put up colored lights... every year she turns him down. That is until this year! Mommmy got outvoted! Jaxon & Daddy (w/ a silent vote from Max) decided this was the year for colored lights... Mommy's still not convinced!

The thing is, I like things to match. All my decorations are red & green. If they made a strand of red, green & white lights, I'd be OK w/ the multi-colored variety. Maybe it's my OCD but the blues, oranges, and pinks really bother me. I feel like they clash w/ my reds & greens!

But once we got the decorations up on our tiny tree the other day, the multi-colored lights have been bothering me less and less. And it looks more matchy then I thought it would w/ my wrapping paper (which I was most concerned about).

What do you think? Do colored lights add more HO HO HO to your Hoilday when there are kids in the house?! Or are you like me, a traditional fan of the white lights?!

Max tasted all the decorations for us!

Here he is hanging an ornament!

Christmas card, maybe?!

My BIG Elf... he decorated the entire tree by himself this year!

Black Friday

2011-11-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

This is about a week late BUT it's worth mentioning.

I don't do Black Friday! I do shop online but I avoid stores. I can not deal with crowds of people, standing in lines and packed parking lots. The commercials that flooded the TV last week left quite an impression on Son # 1. He's recently had a lot of questions about Holidays, specifically St. Patrick's Day. Random?! Completely, considering the time of year.

Trying to explain to a 5 year old that St. Patty's Day is several months away is difficult. Luckily he's decided that wearing green can be an anytime deal and that the need to ask several times a week isn't necessary since he is now dressing himself.

Thanksgiving morning, while we were getting ready to go to Grandma's, Jaxon asked me what Black Friday was. Here's how it played out!

JAXON: "Mom, is Black Friday a Holiday?"

ME: "Sort of! It's a shopping holiday where people get up really early and wait in big, long lines to buy things for super cheap."

JAXON: "Do you have to wear black?"

ME: "No... but that's a really good idea!"

Love his innocence! And speaking of Holidays, Pinterest has made one of my wishes come true by adding a HOLIDAYS category... YAY!

Snowmen Milk Jugs

2011-11-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

Snowmen Milk Jug Craft

24 MORE DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!! I'm just a lil' bit excited!!! I'm also a lil' strapped for cash having to buy for 2 boys this year! I have been "pinning" away, scouring Pinterest for inexpensive decorating ideas (like this) and gift ideas. These are super cheap and really easy to make. Ask the kids for help, just not w/ the glue gun!

Here's what you'll need...

empty, washed out really good milk jugs (we chose 3 but you could do as many as you like)
scissors
black & red paint
pipe cleaners (we chose black but you can match the color to your own decor)
yarn (again match to your decor)
hot glue gun
orange construction paper

Here's what you do...

Save your milk jugs! And like I said before, make sure you wash them out real good, if you don't they will stink! The kids loved this part because I let them do this in the bathtub!
After your jugs are good and clean, cut a hole in the back of them where the label is to insert your lights. I cut my holes the size of the label.
Make the yarn earmuffs by folding your yarn in half several times in a bundle and tying a knot around itself. After you've tied the knot, cut the looped ends so the ends stick out. Or any other way you choose! Big, fuzzy pom poms would work too!
Paint the snowman's eyes and mouth on the jug w/ black paint and give him some red, rosy cheeks.
Hot glue the pipe cleaner on one side of the jug and hold till it dries. Now hot glue the other side down and again hold while it dries... try not to burn your fingers!
Glue your earmuffs over the ends of the pipe cleaner, it'll hide any unsightly mess you've made w/ the glue gun!
Finally, cut out a, orange nose and glue it to your snowman's face.

There you have it... stick your light in the backs and set them out for display!

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest to check out all the other fun, cheap, kid-friendly craft and gift ideas I'm finding!

What's For Lunch?!

2011-11-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

I get asked this a lot! The boys LOVE Mac n' Cheese so when I found this recipe on Pinterest, I just knew we had to try it! This is Paula Dean's recipe so you know it's gonna be good! I did tweak it a bit though... gotta make it somewhat healthy!

I used whole wheat pasta, low fat butter and sour cream, omitted the eggs and used low fat mozzarella instead of cheddar cheese AND it is still amazing!!!

http://www.food.com/recipe/paula-deen-crock-pot-macaroni-and-cheese-257276

Mystery Bag - Letter "J"

2011-11-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

I think I get more excited when Jaxon brings home the Mystery Bag from PreSchool, than he does! The Mystery Bag is homework for PreSchool age kids. Every other week it's Jaxon's turn to bring the bag home and have a turn.

Last year when he'd bring the bag home there would be a color, shape or number written on a paper bag and he was to find things around the house that he could bring back to class w/ him (that fit in the bag), to share w/ his classmates.

This year he is assigned a letter. He practices writing that letter, sounding it out, making both upper and lower case versions of the letter, writing a tongue twister that goes w/ the assigned letter and choosing something to take back to class that starts w/ the letter.

Yesterday he got to choose whatever letter he wanted from the alphabet... surprisingly, he chose "J"! So, he decided to make "J" shaped, Jello Jigglers!

Here he is getting ready to make the Jigglers!

Surprisingly he chose green Jello!

Max kept reminding us both that it was "HOT"! One of his favorite words!

Fast forward to today... here's Jaxon getting ready to cut out the "J" Jigglers!

This is also a fun treat for parties... we made trucks and trains one year!

Press hard!

He had to make sure it tasted OK!

8 "J" shaped Jello Jigglers ready for the Mystery Bag showing!

And since we have left overs we made some "M's" so both boys would have some for lunch today!

Kitchen Aid

2011-11-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

My number one "Mommy Pet peeve" at the moment is my kitchen aid, or aids, I should say! I need a door on my kitchen, one w/ a "CLOSED" sign hanging up! Every time I am in there so are Sons # 1 & 2. I created this monster, I often ask for their help, just not every, stink'n time! For instance, while I'm making breakfast and drinking my coffee... no help needed! When I'm chopping veggies w/ a sharp knife... no help needed!

Or when I'm busy cleaning up after dinner, loading the dishwasher and your Dad is home to play w/ you.... no help needed!!! Luckily, I caught this before the water cycle turned on! OH, and look I have voicemail! Thanks Max... Mommy's got this!!!

Top 10

2011-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Here are my Pinterest Top 10 Finds this week...

#10 - guysread.com... a website that encourages literacy in boys! They have a great list of good reads for lil' guys!

#9 - This pretty much sums things up!

#8 - Thinking about making these for Thanksgiving... super cute & delicious!

#7 - In all my years as an art student Oil Pastels were always a fave of mine... I had no idea Crayola made these. Santa might have to bring Jaxon a set of his very own!

#6 - Skinny Funfetti Cupcake recipe... where have you been my whole life?! http://www.fashionmeetsfood.com/2011/11/skinny-funfetti-cupcakes.html

#5 - Could have used this while putting up the lights!

#4 - I was just looking for tips on how to do this and "poof", there was on Pinterest!

#3 - I foresee this happening any day now!

#2 - Among other things, but I say this to Hubby at least 3 times a week!

#1 - I LOVE THIS IDEA! I have decided that when the boys go to Kindergarten I am going to do this. The day they graduate from high school I'm digging their time capsules up and we'll take a look at them then. Hopefully the dogs won't dig 'em up for me!

For more Pinterest Top Picks follow along as I waste hours of my life "pinning" creative ideas... it's easy, click my Pinterest button on the sidebar and check out my boards!

Pinterest Intervention

2011-11-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

I AM OFFICIALLY ADDICTED TO PINTEREST! There, I admitted it, that's the 1st step right?! I can't stop myself from "pinning"! I wake up early to "pin" in the morning, I "pin" in the afternoon & every time Max needs nourishment. I pin till I can't "pin" anymore at bedtime... I've fallen asleep at the keyboard! I daydream while working out, about how I could finagle a way to "pin" while on the treadmill!!! I would be on the treadmill A LOT more if I could figure out a way to do both simultaneously!!!

So, since I have been getting behind on my blogging due to my new addiction, I thought I'd take a moment to step away from Pinterest (for a short time) to share a few fun things we've been up to lately.

MAX IS OFFICIALLY WALKING/RUNNING! He's been toddling around for a little over a month now taking steps here and there but he's 100% on the move nowadays! That's the other reason why I've been away for so long. Keeping up w/ the boys has become a little more interesting now that Max can get to wherever Jaxon is and snatch whatever Jaxon has! Just hand me a whistle and call me "ref"... all though I'm not too sure Jaxon would agree that he's been getting fair calls lately!

We finally got some much needed rain the other day. Daddy decided to take a vacation day to catch back up w/ his kiddos after being away so much the month of October. He surprised Jaxon w/ a "Cars 2" movie date on the living room floor after lunch.The "snack counter" provided blue sugared popcorn and entertained Monster #2 so the movie date could be enjoyed by both!

While the weather has had it's ups and downs we continue to try our best to enjoy what's left of Fall. We had a beautiful day on the 1st and spent the afternoon putting up our Christmas lights outside. I decided that evening to reward myself with a glass of wine, can of beer, 1/5 of Crown, (whatever I could find), after the stressful time I had of hanging lights w/ a 5 & 1 year old. Memo to self: check alcoholic beverage supply before entertaining the idea of proceeding with these types of activities!!!

And thanks to Pinterest the boys and I have been crafting & baking like crazy! I plan to post some of our newest Holiday adventures one of these days... that is as soon as I can pull myself away from the obsessive "pinning"! And be sure to follow along as I continue to "pin" my way through the holiday season... if you're a list maker like me, Pinterest is the place to be!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

The boys and I had a great time Trick or Treating last! Kick Buttowski and my lil' dragon made out like bandits w/ the candy... Mama's mission is to try and stay out of it! I figured while I can still get away w/ it that I would dress up too! The kids at Jaxon's party really enjoyed it and I figured the people whose houses we'd Trick or Treat at would too! PLUS I love playing dress up!!! Here are some highlights from last night!

Jaxon's costume was a lot of fun to put together! I think the kitchen gloves really completed his look!!!!

If Daddy hadn't had to work, he would have been Mommy's 1st Mate... I'm guessing he's glad he had to work!!! What a great time we had!

PreSchool Halloween Party

2011-11-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to be part of the Halloween Party committee this year for Jaxon's PreSchool! I could buy Hobby Lobby out of their adorable Halloween Party supplies. Here's what we did to prepare for the big party!

I found this cute, cheap and easy idea on Pinterest! Jaxon helped w/ these, they were a lot of fun!

These were the treat boxes we picked out for the kids... aren't they fun?!

Jaxon & I decided to make our own homemade candy for the party. We chose a recipe for "Monster Munch".... I will include a link to the recipe below! IT'S DELICIOUS!!!

http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/10/halloween-candy-corn-cookie-bark.html

I tweaked this a bit! Instead of adding peanuts and peanut butter cups like the lady did in the recipe below, I added the bits of Candy Corn bark above! PLUS we added green food coloring to the almond bark that we put over the popcorn to make it spookier! http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/10/monster-munch.html

Here are the treat boxes ready to go!

Jaxon & his classmates at their party!

Here they are Trick or Treating at the nursing home!

Enjoying their chocolate cupcakes w/ peanut butter frosting and their vanilla cupcakes w/ orange frosting!

And their green slime punch!

FUN, FUN, FUN TIMES!!!

Before & After

2011-10-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's really no secret... I've been on a diet. It began before Max was born, was interrupted for a few months and then picked back up again after his birth. I promised myself after he was born to never go back to what I had allowed myself to become.

Since October 2010 I have lost the baby weight and then some. I've had lots of people ask if I have before and after pictures... I don't. I was never too excited to get in front of the camera before and still don't care too much for it now. Here are some photos taken since Max's birth that give a good idea of my weight loss progress.

(I'm not too excited about showing some of these but it sure is good motivation to keep up the good work!!!)

This was taken in November at Max's baptism.

This was in February, the 1st time we took Max to the park. I change my hair a lot!

This was taken at Easter... I always cover myself with my kids!!!

I HATE THIS PICTURE! It was taken in May by a friend.

This was taken in August at the zoo w/ the boys!

September 2011.... celebrating Hubby's 40th birthday! He can finally pick me up!

At the boys' birthday party at the beginning of the month!

This was taken Sunday on our trip to the Pumpkin Patch... I need more clothes!!!

So there you have it... fat to fit! This has been a major lifestyle change for my entire family. I am lucky to have such a great support system. Thanks to everyone for all of your kind compliments along the way! Now for the hard part... maintaining it!!!

Adventures in Pumpkin Decorating

2011-10-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin carving always sounds like so much fun... the truth is with a 5 & 1 year old, it has it's fun moments, but there are lots of stressful ones too! Jaxon was put in charge of doing the gutting, he likes to get messy! Max was in charge of helping, he spent more time putting the guts back in the pumpkin than anything else! Daddy was in charge of helping w/ Max... he was too busy watching TV!!! I was in charge of the carving... most of it got done w/ one hand kinda like everything else around here so what should have taken a few hours got drug out two days!!!

And since I hadn't driven myself crazy enough I decided to let the boys paint their lil' punkins our neighbor gave to them. I thought this would keep Max busy while I finished carving his... it did for awhile and then he began tasting the finger paint! Needless to say the pumpkin painting got cut short, Max's pumpkin got carved w/ one hand and after Max's bath Mommy discovered that Jaxon's painted pumpkin had rolled across the dining floor leaving behind a colorful trail!

Why do I do things like this to myself, you ask?! Because I love my kids and one day they won't want anything to do w/ painted pumpkins and crazy carving designs!!!

1st dig into his pumpkin!

Oooooyy, gooooyyy!!!

We are saving the seeds to throw over the fence again, apparently that's the only way Mama has any lucky planting pumpkins! (That's where the ones that the neighbor gave the boys came from!)

Max's turn!

Putting the guts back in his pumpkin!

Here's Jaxon's pumpkin all carved and ready to go! He chose a wolf howling at the moon!

He was happy with it!!!

Here are some shots from the pumpkin painting adventure!

Max was giving his pumpkin some love!!!

Here's Max's pumpkin... it looks better all lit up!

Here are the painted pumpkins... I plan to paint their names on them, we'll see if I get to it!!!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite yearly things to do with the kids is to go to a Pumpkin Patch! We missed our family Pumpkin Patch outing last year because Mommy was on bed rest part of the time and after Max was born it got too cold. Jaxon got to go with his PreSchool class and was really excited about going this year w/ Daddy & Max. He filled them both in on what to expect and was happy to tour us all around Browndale Farm when we arrived!

Here's a quick peek into our trip to the Pumpkin Patch!

We all agreed that this is a must have at our house! A trailer full of corn to dig in! And Max only ate a few pieces or at least tried too!

Here he is sampling a few pieces!

Daddy & Jaxon decided to dig to the bottom!

Mama's lil' punkin!

Here we are getting ready to go on the hayrack ride! It was a little windy!

I thought this was a cute idea for a picture to take every year to see how much they've grown... maybe next year they'll look at the camera!

Here Max petting the baby donkey... Mama & the boys have decided we need one of these!

Jaxon's favorite part.... riding the zipline!

I want to figure out a way to rig one of these up at home!

Both Mommy & Daddy had Grandparents that had a bike like this. Wish we had one now!

Posing with the pumpkins! They have some great setups for pictures!

Max the scarecrow!

Jax the scarecrow!

Daddy & his lil' punkins!

Mama & her lil' punkins!

Jaxon going through the maze!

We all made it through!

Isn't he precious?!

This was something different! It's a giant "hedgeball slingshot"! Daddy wants one of these!

We had a great time as you can see! The boys each picked out a pumpkin and in my next post you'll see Mama's carving skills put to test! What a great fun-filled, Fall, family adventure!

Having His & Eating It Too

2011-10-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Max had a great 1st Birthday! Here are some shots of him enjoying his cake! He's not nearly as messy as my other child was w/ his 1st cake!

Max's fave part... the marshmallows!

The colors turned out very vibrant!

We loaded up some cake to share with the PreSchool friends today... gotta get these sweets outta my house!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2011-10-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

"Mad Max" is 1 today!!! I found a fun "rainbow cake recipe" on none other than Pinterest and decided to give it a shot. Here are some "step by steps" for all you adventurous types!

Step 1: Dig a white cake mix out of your pantry! You could make one from scratch too if you're really adventurous!

Step 2: Whip up your cake mix!

Step 3: (This is where it gets tricky!) Divide your mix into 6 bowls. An easy tip is to pour 1 cup into each bowl and divide what's left from there. It worked for me... I'm sure it'll work for you too!

Step 4: Have your PreSchooler remind you what the colors of the rainbow are! Here's a cheat sheet... red, orange, yellow, green, blue & violet! And in case you're new to this type of stuff... red & yellow make orange, and red & blue make violet! You'll have to make these colors if you are using a basic set of food colors. Have your kiddos help... this is a great lesson in Color Exploration!

Step 5: If you haven't already, prepare your pans for baking. I used 2 rounds.

Step 6: In order to create a "rainbow look", place your red, orange and yellow batters into 1 pan. Then place your green, blue and violet batters into pan # 2.

Step 7: Bake according to the instructions on the box.

Step 8: After your cakes have cooled, remove from the pans. Decorate and ENJOY!!!

Check back later for pictures of the inside of the rainbow cake!

Dear Max - 1 Year

2011-10-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Baby Max!

Dear Max,

Today's your BIG day! According to you BIG Brother, it's his BIG day too (he's going to go ride in the chopper w/ Grandpa!) It's Mommy's BIG day too... she doesn't have a baby in the house anymore... only BIG BOYS now!!! I'm kinda sad that you are growing up so fast... slow down, OK?!

Daddy & are so proud of you... you have been a wonderful addition to our little family! Jaxon is very lucky to have you for a brother, you guys are becoming great friends and playmates!

You are a very daring lil' guy! You are constantly climbing everything! You haven't started walking all on your own yet but that'll be any day now. You love marshmallows, going down the slide, balls and playing outside! You are saying "NO!", "BUBBA", "CAT", "MOOOOO", "MAMA", "DADA" and lots of other gibber gabbers!!!

You still don't like to go in the car but we're working on it! You have been having a hard time sharing your chair w/ Bubba... he's having a hard time w/ that too! You don't like to wear your coat, I'm afraid you are going to have to just get used to that! And you are having a very hard time saying "bye, bye" to the "boo-boo's"... in other words, Mommy's trying to wean you!

You have completed our family and we are so blessed to have you! We love you so much and look forward to watching you grow throughout the next year!

Until next time!
Love, Mommy

6 Whole Years

2011-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

6 whole years ago I married this handsome lad on October 15th! It was an amazing day, one I wish I could go back to and do all over again! We have been so very blessed in our life together and continue to enjoy every day, (OK, almost every day), making memories!

Our wedding day!

Honeymoon to Cozumel, Mexico!

Spending 4 days in a hurricane shelter waiting out Hurricane Wilma... that's a Honeymoon to remember!

Dating years!

Skinny Crockpot Dish

2011-10-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Try this skinny crockpot dish... it is delicious!!! I discovered this recipe on Pinterest.... follow along for more YUMMY EATS!!!

http://redsie05.blogspot.com/2010/10/ww-crock-pot-chicken-taco-chili.html

Pumpkin LOVE

2011-10-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's getting colder outside and my instincts to hunker down and fatten up for Winter are in full swing! (I am going to try very hard to pawn some of this deliciousness off on some friends, family and Hubby's co-workers... and by the tastes of things, this shouldn't be too hard!)

Not only do I LOVE the look of pumpkins, I LOVE the taste too, so in honor of my deep rooted LOVE for all things pumpkin... here are a few, new recipes I have been trying this weekend! ENJOY!!!

Spiced PUMPKIN Cream Cheese

Makes 1 1/2 cups (24 1-tablespoon servings)

1 8-OUNCE PACKAGE OF CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED (MICROWAVE FOR 15 SECONDS.)
1/2 CUP PUMPKIN PUREE, HOMEMADE OR CANNED
1/4 CUP LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
3/4 TEASPOON PUMPKIN PIE SPICE (OR 1/2 TSP. CINNAMON + 1/4 TSP. GROUND GINGER + 1/8 TSP. ALLSPICE OR CLOVES + DASH OF NUTMEG )
1/2 TEASPOON VANILLA

Add the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, pumpkin and sugar until smooth. (You could also use an immersion blender or wooden spoon.)
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

PUMPKIN Cookies

1 c. shortening

1 c. sugar

1 c. PUMPKIN

1 egg

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. raisins or nuts (optional)

Cream shortening, sugar, and PUMPKIN. Add egg and mix well. Add sifted, dry ingredients. Drop from spoon onto cookie sheet and bake @ 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

FROSTING FOR COOKIES

3 TBS. oleo or butter

4 tsp. milk

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 c. powdered sugar

3/4 tsp. vanilla

Cook butter, milk, & brown sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add powdered sugar & vanilla. Spread on cookies.

Pinterest Wish Lists

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

With Christmas right around the corner, consider starting your wish list w/ Pinterest! I have this genius idea to start "pinning" everything I see that catches my eye, that way when someone asks, "What do the boys want for Christmas?", all I have to do is direct them to my "The Boys' Christmas Wish List" board! PLUS I have a lil' wish list of my very own... ya know, that way Hubby has some ideas!!!

Amazon has a great "list making system" too... check this out! I use Pinterest & Amazon together to have an organized way to keep track of all things "want worth"! Happy pinning!!!

http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/universal/ref=cm_wnwin_pop_main

Adventures in Cookie Decorating

2011-10-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of a decorated sugar cookie! And since becoming a Pinterest addict, the desire to do all things crafty has been forcing me to try things I once would have never dared! Don't get me wrong, I have tried to decorate sugar cookies before and swore to never do it again. It's not the decorating that scares me, it's the rolling out and cutting of the cookie dough that makes me want to scream!

I was determined to try my best to get it right this time for the love of my children! I spent some time researching ideas on the best ways to roll out that sticky dough and cut it into shapes that are eye catching and think I have finally got it down to an art.

Here's some of what I learned while making these "parrrrrrrty" treats!

I don't know about you, but every time I've tried to make sugar cookies in the past my cookies always turn out hard and tasting more like "flour cookies" than sugar cookies! Instead of using flour to gain control of your dough when rolling it out, sprinkle your wax paper surface in powered sugar...
this eliminates the taste of hard, floury cookies!

Once you've mastered the art of rolling out the dough, stick it in the freezer for awhile before you cut the cookies. Place the rolled out dough (already on your wax paper) on a cookie sheet and pop it back in for an hour or 2 to allow it to firm back up.This makes cutting and placing the dough on the cookie sheet
(to go in the oven) much easier!

Waaaaallllaaaaaa!!! Perfectly baked cookies! And by the way, when the recipe says bake for 8 minutes, bake for 8 minutes! Leaving them in too long browns the edges and makes them hard!

Royal Icing works best for these cookies... there are tons of recipes online if you need one! This stuff not only tastes great but it's really easy to work with (it's very forgiving)! Start by outlining your cookies and make sure you let the icing harden before you go to fill the cookies in.

Now it's time to begin filling in the lines! Make sure the consistency of your icing is that of Elmer's glue... it works the best! If you need it to be runnier, add a tiny bit of warm water till you get it right. I found that a spoon and a toothpick work best for this technique! PLUS, if you have any baby food containers lying around, they make the best little tubs for coloring your icing! A little bit of this stuff goes a long way!

Here's my skull cap "filled" in. I pour a little icing directly on the cookie and move it around with the spoon and the toothpick to even it out all along the surface. Once this stuff hardens it looks nice and smooth even when your cookies have cracks (like mine)! Here's an extra tip: I prefer Wilton's gel food coloring for all my "parrrrrrrty" treats, it doesn't change the consistency of the frosting the way liquid drops do!

Here are my boys' initials made into cookies... later you'll see how I matched them to go w/ my pirates!

After the red icing hardens you are now ready to add the white dots. I used a frosting bag and a tip to do these and make sure you keep the white icing a little thicker so it doesn't run!

Here's the fun part! Get creative w/ your decorating!

AND IT'S OK IF THEY AREN'T PERFECT!

Colored sugar sticks really well to this stuff for a different textured look!

"Initial" cutters are a great buy since you can use them over and over again!

Don't go out and buy copper colored food coloring to make flesh tones. Just mix a little (and by a little I mean a tiny amount) of yellow and red to white frosting.... waaaaalllllaaaaa... flesh toned frosting!!!

ALMOST DONE! All you have left to do now is to finish up with a cute face! Make sure you add an eye patch... every pirate needs one plus it's a great way to cover any unsightly mistakes!

There you have it... decorated sugar cookies!

Time consuming YES... worth it... I think so!!!

Happy decorating!!!

Play'n Possum

2011-10-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

In the mix of all the party planning craziness, life went on! And even though I had no time for blogging I did manage to take mental note (in the back of my very crowded mind) to remind myself to share this wild adventure! It all started last Tuesday morning when Jaxon came in from playing outside to tell me he had made a "new animal friend"!

As I flip the calendar over from September (to my favorite month of all time), October, I begin getting the itch to once again purge the closet! Instead of my own, this time I head for the boys' room. With their birthdays just around the corner I know it's time to make some room for new duds. I woke up that day with a plan to tackle not just their closet but their dressers as well. Things were going remarkably well that morning. Max was behaving and Jaxon was playing outside in the sand pile. I was making progress and was even able to have a conversation with a friend on the phone w/out too many interruptions.

Jaxon had been outside for about 10 minutes. He was in and out several times in those 10 minutes grabbing various different pieces of his farm equipment, (he was busy "harvesting his fall crops"). At one point he came up to me (while I was still on the phone) and told me to come out and meet his "new animal friend". I didn't really think anything of this because with it being Fall we are constantly seeing Preying Mantis (which Jaxon thinks are the coolest things). I assumed his "new animal friend" was just that, a Preying Mantis! I was wrong!!!

I asked my friend to bare with me as I humored Jaxon and went out to meet his "new friend". As I was walking out the door I even said to her that I was sure I'd be meeting a Preying Mantis! I got out the door and at the bottom of the steps of our side porch was Jaxon's little, blue wagon. Placed on the top of the wagon (like a lid), was another small wagon. Upon lifting the lid I discovered something I was not expecting... inside the wagon was a baby possum!

I did what any normal Mother would do and freaked out! I hung up the phone, grabbed the kids, ran back inside and made Jaxon go straight into the bathroom and wash his hands! The possum didn't just climb in that wagon, I knew he had touched it. As I regained control of the crazy, I began asking questions. Where did you find him? How'd he get in the wagon? Was he the only one? Was he awake or asleep when you found him? I thought the "new animal friend" was dead. I needed to get a picture of this to show Daddy otherwise he'd probably never believe me!

I grabbed my cell phone, quietly walked back outside (w/ both kids), put the kids behind me in a safe spot and removed the "wagon lid". To my surprise Baby Possum was awake! He had even climbed up the side of the wagon and was ready to go for a ride! I quickly snapped a picture and got everyone back inside again. Now what? So I then did what any Mother would do... I posted the "new animal friend's" photo to FaceBook and asked for some advice!

Here's "Baby George" in all his "so ugly he's kinda cute" glory, ready to go for that ride!

The boys and I then left the house for a few hours and let nature take it's course or the dog or whatever. Anyway, when we returned "Baby George" (a name suggested by a FaceBook Friend), was gone. I explained to Jaxon that his Mama had come to pick him up and that she was probably really missing him. I then went on to explain that we should never touch an animal w/out asking first and have continued to drill that in his little brain every day since!!!

Cap'n Jaxon & 1st Mate Max's Pirate Party

2011-10-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm soooooooooooooo behind on my blogging... this should explain why! I have so many new adventures to share about the last 2 weeks. Get ready for me to start flooding your pages w/ some pretty funny stuff!

But first things first... check out the Pirate Party slideshow!

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

"Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate our boys... you are very much loved & appreciated!!!" ~ Kent & Mandy

5 Birthdays

2011-10-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jaxon!

1st Birthday!

2nd Birthday!

3rd Birthday!

4th Birthday!

5th Birthday!

Parrrrrrrrrrrty Time

2011-09-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's almost parrrrrrrrty time! Check out how I'm inviting our guests this year!

This invitation card created with Smilebox

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY

2011-09-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hubby/Daddy turns 40 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Here's the birthday boy w/ his 2 boys this morning after breakfast!

He's pretty strong for an old man!

Since Daddy & Grandma celebrate birthdays so close together, we celebrated w/ 2 very large cakes!

I'm a lucky woman... I have a great husband and a wonderful father to my children!

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA

2011-09-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Jaxon & Maddox's Grandma turns 50 today.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!!

Jaxon & Grandma visiting Thomas the Train!

Grandma & Uncle Tony at his wedding!

Grandma & Cousin Alivia!

Grandma & Grandpa at Christmas w/ some of the grandkiddos!

Here's to another 50 years of being not only a great Mom & Grandma, but a wonderful friend as well! LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Pinterest LOVE

2011-09-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already checked out Pinterest... I wouldn't advise doing it, it's even more addictive than FaceBook! Here are just a few things I found this morning that I love!

This is soooooo true! Blogging is also cheaper and less painful than running!

Square Fiesta Ware - LOVE

If I were one of those Mommy's who could go out and get my manis & pedis...
it would be in these colors!

LOVE THIS! My floors are always sticky!

Don't these look amazing?! They are pumpkin flavored, cream cheese frosting stuffed whoopies!

This is sure to make my Kindle Reading List!

Dear Max - 11 months

2011-09-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Max,

Instead of sitting down to write this post I should really be busy "baby proofing" our house! It's just that the time has flown by so quickly that I find finding the time hard to do! You are such a happy guy most of the time. You find great joy in climbing and riding... wish you'd hurry and find that joy in riding in the car! Wether it be on my knee, or your three or four-wheeler, or your "scoot buggy", or even your ABC caterpillar, you know just what to do to. Daddy & I sat and watched you climb aboard your "scoot buggy" for the first time the other night. Watching the wheels turn in your tiny head, figuring out just how to get that leg over the side was a pretty proud moment for the two of us! It about drove Jaxon crazy not to step in and help you do it!

"Riding" ABC caterpillar!

Big Brother giving you a push on your 3-wheeler!

"Climbing" your 3-wheeler! Jaxon suggested we take your 11 mth. photo here... he's a genius!

You and Jaxon have become really great friends! It's been so incredible to watch the two of you starting to really play together. You both LOVE having "roaring" matches to see who can be louder... you even like to do this w/ Aunt Sam! You both fight over your little chair (the one pictured in the "month photos") and every time Jaxon goes to sit in it these days, you usually let every one know that's your chair! You are making "mooooooing" noises when we ask you what a cow says and you can say "cat"! You also LOVE to talk on the phone! Every time anyone says, "Hello Max!", you put whatever you have in your hand up to your ear! Maybe this is a sign that Mommy's on the phone too much!

It's getting harder and harder to capture your "month photos"!

Going, going...

... gone!

You sure are a tiny little tot! Mommy's been going through the duds pulling out the "cold weather" clothes since it's cooling off and I'm having a hard time finding anything small enough for you to wear! I put a pair of 6 month jeans on you on Friday and they kept falling off! Hopefully you'll get some stuff for your birthday that's creeping up fast!

With Jaxon back in school we've had lots of time to catch up on the snuggles... Mommy sure enjoys that! Let's start working on sleeping through the night in your own bed, OK?!

Until next month, (on your 1st birthday)... love, Mommy!

Mommy To The Rescue

2011-09-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

My Hubby gave me the idea for this post after asking me at dinner if I'd written about his latest adventure which involved a hungry heifer and a frantic phone call from the calf pen! After two years of blogging (almost weekly), he has recently started "following" our adventures himself! I dedicate this post, to him!

Fall is my favorite time of year. We got married in October and both our boys were born in October, (neither one was planned that way, it just happened)! People often say it's our "special month", and I couldn't agree more!

Every year I look forward to decorating for the Fall. Since we were married in October I have a ton of Fall inspired decorations. Before hauling out all of the decorative pumpkins and gourds, I decided it'd be a good time to "purge" the basement! (That's where I keep all my decos!) The boys and I spent an entire day down there on Tuesday cleaning out the playroom and my storage shelves. I've got about 8 bags of trash stockpiled because of that "purge day"!

The boys had been really good all day, helping Mommy organize and being very patient as I secretly tossed some of the old toys that were either broken or missing pieces... even Jaxon got in on the toy part of the "purge"! But by 5 everyone had had enough and was ready to get back to playing. Jaxon & I heard Daddy pull up so he was of course up the stairs and out the door before I even had a chance to remind him to put on his flip flops.

Max and I stayed put finishing up a few minor details from the day. Max was just as excited to get outside as Jaxon and wasn't real happy with me when we stayed put! He began his ti-raid and everything fell apart from there! After a short while the phone began ringing. I can never find the cordless when I need it... like every time it rings! So I of course missed that call! But a few minutes later my cell phone began ringing... I thought to myself, "That's strange!", but assumed it was my Dad.

I decided at that point to head upstairs. Max wasn't getting over his fit and I wanted to see who was trying so desperately to get ahold of me. As we made our way up the steps Jaxon came busting through the side door saying that Daddy needed me. (What's new?! Somebody always needs Mommy! So I was a teeny bit irritated because by now the phone was ringing again, I still had no idea where the cordless was, and now I knew who was on the other line!)

I slowly made my way out the door, (attitude and all), hollering, "What do you want?!" There he was, trapped inside the barn, inside our calf pen! To set this up I have to first say that our heifer who is about 1000 pounds or more, doesn't particularly care for my Hubby! We're not sure why, but every time he goes in to feed her, she goes after him! I think it's just because she's lonely and it probably doesn't help that he's covered in grain dust! Every time I go in to feed her, she pays me no attention!

She had cornered him in the barn and wasn't letting him out... truth be told, at that point, I was ready to leave him in there! So once again Mommy came to the rescue, Daddy was saved and Max was finally happy because he got what he wanted, to go outside!

Fire Chopper

2011-09-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering... this is what's left of what Jaxon is now affectionately calling the "Fire Chopper"!

The Burneded Up Chopper

2011-09-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

My oldest is 100% farm boy! He has loved farm life since before he knew what that meant! When he was learning to talk his Daddy would bring home implement (or tractor) catalogs from work, pointing to the images on the page and asking, "What's that?" Somehow, (w/out prompting), Jaxon always knew!

That's why when I got a text from one of my brothers the other night claiming that, "Breaking down sucks!", I was hesitant about sharing the attached photo w/ Jaxon. For those of you who are new to my blog, my Dad's a dairy farmer. Corn is a huge part of a Holstein's diet and is harvested right on the farm to keep the herd fed. The machine pictured above is called a corn chopper, and when Grandpa rented it earlier this Summer, it quickly became one of Jaxon's favorite pieces of equipment.

Jaxon begged to ride along every time he caught wind of the crew heading out to the fields. He even asked me to drive him an hour and half down the road to another farm so he could ride the first time they went out! Luckily he wasn't along for the ride the other day!

To make a long story short, "Grandpa's chopper burneded to the ground"! When I told Jaxon what had happened and showed him the images he was devastated! He sat through supper that night barely touching his food, sulking about how he'd never ride in the "burneded up chopper again"! He asked repeatedly to be taken to the scene so he could see for himself that it was indeed no more.

He continues to mourn the loss of the chopper and continues to beg me to take him to the field. I joke that this incident has been more traumatic for him then the images of 9/11 that he saw on TV Sunday! (Not that 9/11 is a joking matter because it certainly is not. But it's the only thing I can think of to compare it to at this time.)

2 Times the Adventure

2011-09-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

My blog adventure began 2 years ago today. Lots has changed in those 2 years! My Adventures In Motherhood certainly have! I now have 2 times the adventure in my day to day Mommy challenges and triumphs but I wouldn't change it for the world! Here are some of my most cherished Mommy Moments from the past year... it's true what they say, 2 really is better than one!

Tough Questions - 9/11

2011-09-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

It's hard to know just what to say to a 4 year old so full of questions. While we always take the time to remember those who were lost on that tragic day, this is the first year we have had to really deal with how to explain all of this to a child. How does one even begin to know where to start? The images that flood the television and Internet today aren't easy on a little ones eyes, most aren't easy on the eyes of us adults. What do you say when your child catches an image of a person falling from what was the twin towers? How do you explain to them that the bad guys won't come after us?

While getting ready for church this morning, Jaxon said to Daddy that we sure are lucky that the firemen got those bad guys in those tall towers. Hubby had to explain to Jaxon that the bad guys weren't in the towers, they were in the planes. A look of "why would they do that" spread across his face as he began to try and process what Daddy had said.

As the day went on he continued to talk about the firetrucks and police cars we were seeing on TV. He watched as the fire boats brought water to ground zero. All the while the questions piling up in his tiny head. I approach a tough topic like this, if he has a question I try my best to answer it in a way he can understand. The sad thing is, there's really no way to explain something I have a hard time myself understanding!

I thought this image really captured what other kids may have felt as a result of such a horrific tragedy and showed it to Jaxon. He commented on the rainbows, the hearts and the fish! Notice how everything has a positive feel... it's important to remain in the positive (like the kids) when trying to explain something like this.

How have you approached such a tender subject with your kids on this

the 10th anniversary of 9/11?

Texas On Tour @ the Kansas State Fair

2011-09-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.texasontour.com/

Are you like me and in need of a vacation?! Come discover all that Texas has to offer at the Kansas State Fair, in Hutchinson, KS, starting today through the 18th of September! That's right, I said Texas!

Texas On Tour is an interactive traveling road show that makes the Lone Star State come alive! Take the whole family out and explore the Texas coastline on a virtual beach, watch a film and play some trivia inside a dome theater, splash your way across the state in a virtual kayaking adventure, and so much more!

Hit the water for a wet and wild tour of Texas, from the sprawling coastline all the way to the bayou! Just hop in your kayak and explore four of Texas' impressive waterways including the rolling waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the glorious Rio Grande!

Head inside the Discover Texas theater to learn some exciting facts about the Lone Star State. But make sure you pay attention, at the end, two teams will go head-to-head in a Texas Trivia Challenge for a prize!

Texas music is just like the culture; it can be upbeat and lively or calm and soothing, but it's always beautiful and unique! Stop by the entertainment stage and hear for yourself!

Say cheese and flash those pearly whites all across the great state of Texas and take a piece of it with you as you pose at the historic Alamo, the grandiose Palo Duro Canyon, a Texas metropolis, or even Sea World!

And don't forget at the end of you tour to enter the Texas On Tour Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two! For more information on the Kansas State Fair and Texas On Tour... click on the links below!

http://www.kansasstatefair.com/

http://www.texas-on-tour.com/texas/sweeps11/promo

http://www.traveltex.com/

Good Reads

2011-09-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've done a book review, not that I haven't read anything good lately, I've just been short on time. I absolutely had to make time for these two "good reads" that Jaxon, Max & I stumbled upon during our Story Hour trips to the library in the last two weeks! We have been spending the month of September choosing books about the farm.

Last week we brought home several books about pigs! Both of my boys really like piggies and there are tons of books out there about them. If you haven't already heard of children's author, John Himmelman, I recommend very highly that you look him up at your local library.

He is the author of "Pigs To The Rescue"... a hilarious tale of a group of pigs who find themselves coming to the aid of the farmer and his family! Both Jaxon & Maddox cracked up every time we read this book! We even went back this week for "Chickens To The Rescue", another book by Himmelman, unfortunately someone else had already checked it out. We hope to get his next book, "Cows To The Rescue", when it comes in!

The boys still crack up every time I even say... "Pigs To The Rescue"!

3 tough chicks learn how being different isn't so bad!

"Tough Chicks" by: Cece Meng is sure to be another crowd pleaser at bedtime or anytime you choose to read to the kiddos! The illustrations are great and the story praises being different which I think is a wonderful message for little ones. It's also pretty funny and will leave your kids begging for more!

Park Hop

2011-09-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

We've been having perfect weather this week! So instead of sitting at home and doing what we always do, the boys and I decided to go on a "Park Hop"!

Our first stop took us to this spot which is very similar to a park that we frequent quite often. The big difference being that they had these crawly and bouncy deals that both boys thought were tons of fun!

Max & Mommy even went down the big slide a few times!

Jaxon wanted to take a "family picture" at the first stop... so here we are!

This became a fun game!

Max really enjoyed the sand... guess he wasn't full from his snack because he decided to taste it too!

Jaxon claims he was "digging to China"!

Our next stop took us to what we all decided was the more "fun" park of the two! This spot is unlike any other park we've been to w/ lots of shade and more choices of things to do! Once again the boys really enjoyed the bouncy rides that this park offered too... especially since one of them was a plane!

Here they are on the plane!

Max loved the baby swing selection!

We of course had to ride the cow swing!

Jaxon really enjoyed to equipment here! There were lots of places to climb and slide!
Max of course loved tasting the tire bits!

Of course we have a lot of fun at home too! Here's Max in the sandbox at home!

We spent the rest of our day after our "Park Hop" at home in the sandbox,
enjoying what's left of the perfect weather!

And just like everywhere else, Max taste tested the sand in the sandbox! YUCK!!!

Labor Day 5K

2011-09-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

I finally completed my very first 5K! Our church's youth group sponsored a "Fun Run" Monday morning and we decided to do it as a family! We loaded up the big, red wagon, the stroller, lots of snacks and water bottles, a few blankets and a couple of toys... pretty much the entire house! I'm sure everyone thought we were crazy for taking our kids... we're even getting some strange looks from the people behind us as you can see in the picture below! We didn't care though!

Here's "Team Welch" getting ready to line up! Notice Jaxon's rubbery friends participated as well!

The route goes right by our house so we were all very familiar with the surroundings. We even went by Jaxon's "favorite spot", (which he didn't even notice because he and Daddy were racing at the time!) After I took this picture Jaxon asked to see it and commented on how me & Max's shadow made it look like, "Mommy has a great, big buns!"

I guess it kinda does! I swear I'm pushing the stroller!!!

Jaxon was doing more walking than riding so we decided to ditch the wagon when we got to our house (since it's along the route), we were almost to the finish line anyway! Mommy ended up giving a few "piggie back" rides on the home stretch but we managed to finish at just under an hour. As we crossed the finish line Jaxon gave me a great big high five and asked if we could do it again... after breakfast of course!

C25K

2011-09-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

I DID IT! I finished the Couch to 5k - Running Plan! I am so proud of myself... not only did I finish but I made it to my goal weight as well! Check it out... it's amazing the progress you make each week! And believe me, if I can do this, so can you!

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml?cmp=18-1

Last Chance to Make a Summer Splash

2011-09-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

With temps in the 100's again this week, the water table got one last use before getting packed up for Fall!

Max is busy washing off the blades of grass that he's been picking!

A big round of applause for Brother's splashing!

Here's Max "bear crawling" through the grass!

It's the little things... like watching the water drip from the sprinkler!

Jaxon informed me before bed that night that he wouldn't be needing a bath,
he'd already taken a shower in his sprinkler!

Shower time!

Running to jump in the tiny pool... that's got to be hard on the buns!

SPLASH!!!

Not as much fun as the big boy pool... but close!

Snack time! This is our favorite place to snack, until the dogs come along that is!

I LOVE THIS FACE! Guess what lil' brother was up to?! You guessed it...
dump'in his thawed out icey pop all over his brother!

If you couldn't tell... he's ornery!

Hope you are enjoying the last days of summer as much as we are!

Happy Labor Day weekend!

My New Obsession

2011-08-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you how completely obsessed I am right now with http://www.exercisetv.tv/workout-videos/! As a Mommy who is limited on time for herself, it's a blessing from above! During Max's lengthy little siesta this morning I was able to work in a 45 minute workout, (never mind the fact that I should have been cleaning!) They offer a wide variety of workouts ranging from 2 minutes to 45! Since I am always on the hunt for a new workout, ExerciseTV gives me the flexibility to keep things fresh and new so I don't get bored, for free! Plus, it's a great way to try out a new workout DVD before buying it!

PreSchool Theme - Color Exploration

2011-08-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to begin another year of "at-home lessons" with Jaxon! Color Exploration is the first theme for the new PreSchool year. One great way to teach your kids about color is by talking about rainbows and the colors they are made of.

Jaxon began our lesson this morning by teaching me a song he learned from a show on PBS called The Cat in the Hat... red, orange, yellow, green, followed by blue, then we go into violet, that's the rainbow song for you! Take a listen!

After our music lesson, Jaxon painted a beautiful picture of a rainbow using what he remembered from his song to get the colors in the correct order. Here he is painting his rainbow!

We concluded our "at-home lesson" this morning by making "Coffee Filter Sun Catchers". This is a great way for kids to learn how to mix colors to get new ones! For directions on how to make your own "Coffee Filter Sun Catchers"... see the link below!

Facts About Exercise and Breastfeeding

2011-08-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

I get FaceBook updates from Active.com. This was an article that came through today that I of course just had to read. It's pretty straight forward and there wasn't anything in the article that I didn't already know but there was something that I hadn't thought about and that is "sweaty boobs"!

I like to workout in the morning before the kids get out of bed. When I get done Max is up and ready for his morning feeding... sweaty boobs! I work out before I go to bed at night, after the kids are already asleep. Most of the time Max wakes up right as I finish... sweaty boobs! Sometimes while Max naps in the afternoon and Jaxon is "relaxing" I do some Yoga. When Max wakes up I have to quit because he's ready for a snack... sweaty boobs!

Poor guy! It doesn't seem to phase him though... he NEVER complains, 'course he can't talk! Anyone else concerned with "sweaty boobs"?!

The Facts About Exercise and Breastfeeding | Active.com

New Look

2011-08-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

I decided it was time for a change! New school year, new blog design! What do you think?! Thanks to April over at A Mommy's Blog Design Studio for the great new look!

If you're in need of a blog makeover, check out April's fun designs! www.AMommysBlogDesignStudio.com

Back to PreSchool

2011-08-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

The day is finally here... PreSchool's back in session and Jaxon couldn't be more excited! He woke up bright and early this morning ready to learn, (more like play), and like the big boy he is, fed himself, brushed his own teeth and got himself dressed! I think if I would have let him, he probably would have driven himself there too!

Here are a few candid shots I took this morning while he was getting for his first day back!

He wanted to be prepared so he laid out his clothes last night before bed!

Here he is all ready to go... Max is helping Mommy clean up after breakfast by eating the crumbs off the floor!

Getting ready to get in the car... I think he was sort of ready to be done with the home photos!

Here he is with the sign outside of his school!

Even though he only gets to ride this bus once or twice a year, I always make him pose next to it!

He can't wait to ride the bus every day!

Getting ready to head down to his classroom!

Hanging up his book bag... he was really excited about getting the green name tag!

Settling back in with his friends... this is a new table in their class! It looks like it's going to be a big hit!

He had a great day and can't wait to go back on Wednesday. It's going to be a great year!

Pizza for Dessert?

2011-08-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Since this Mama's on a health food kick, my lil' fam has been having to do w/out the sweets!
I'm not sure they'd agree but I consider fruit, dessert. Hubby and I had a meeting to go to last night and were asked to bring a dish for the potluck we'd be having before the meeting started.

I wanted to bring something that wasn't going to be loaded in fat and calories so I went a hunt'in through some of my favorite websites for healthy "eats". I decided on this yummy little treat below. Not only was this delicious but it was really fun to make w/ the boys! Jaxon and I made a sorting game out of putting the toppings on and Max was our "sauce" taste tester!

I'm thinking of adding this to the Birthday Party Menu... it's quick and easy and so yummy, best of all it's a somewhat healthy, kid-approved dessert!

http://family.go.com/food/recipe-sk-19070-fruit-pizza-t/

Urge to Purge

2011-08-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Every couple of months or so I get this overwhelming urge to purge! I love to sort and organize, (you'd never know it by the looks of my house), but there's something so satisfying about throwing things out and making more room for, well, more stuff!

In our master bedroom we have an open closet or a closet w/out a door. A man had to have come up with that genius idea! I mean really, who wants all their crap spilling out for the whole world to see? At least with a door you can pretend to have nicely folded jeans and shirts all hung in rows!

Since I'm one of those Mommy's who occasionally enjoys a good hide inside the closet, this makes things difficult! So in an effort to keep a lid on what really is all my Hubby's crap,and make more space in my hideout from the kids, I once again decided it was time to purge the closet.

I always go in guns blaz'in! I get my trash bags ready and at first am chucking things like a crazy person. But slowly I begin finding things that I haven't seen in the past 8 years or more and so begins my trip down memory lane... this is when what should have taken an hour turns into several hours!

I came across a stack of pictures from me & Hubby's honeymoon. (Now I won't bore you with all the nitty, gritty details but we had a pretty exciting trip to Mexico!) Hurricane Wilma basically destroyed our honeymoon in a nutshell! So as you can imagine, I don't exactly have an album sitting on the coffee table devoted to the memories of that nightmare!!!

In the stack of pictures were more images of a mangled island then you can imagine but also there was an image of an iguana that we saw strolling through the resort the first and only day we had to enjoy our trip. I immediately thought to myself, "I have to show this to Jaxon!" I called him back to our room and showed him the picture and answered about 5000 questions he had about the image. He started talking about how if he'd been there and seen that iguana he'd have picked him up and brought him home.

Me: "You would have tried to smuggle an iguana home from Mexico?"
Jaxon: "I would have "snuggled" him all the way home, Mom!"

Needless to say, my closet is still be purged 24 hours later! Hopefully today I'll be able to keep myself from showing Jaxon any more pictures and finish the task at hand!!!

Pioneer Woman's New Show

2011-08-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

If you are as crazy about the Pioneer Woman as me... check out the link below to learn more about her new show that's coming to Food Network tomorrow! Max, you will take your nap so Mommy can watch!!!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/details-on-the-food-network-show/

Does This Make Me Famous

2011-08-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share this little bit o' blogging news with everyone! I was contacted by the nice people at The Baby Habit and asked if I'd consider doing an interview with them about my blog. Of course I was interested! When I told Jaxon about it he asked if this meant he was going to be famous... leave it to Jaxon!

Check out my interview!
http://www.thebabyhabit.com/blog/interview-with-amanda-from-adventures-in-motherhood/

Baby Teeth Blues

2011-08-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our little daredevil Max proceeded to knock one of his new teeth loose yesterday. As you can imagine I was hysterical upon noticing that his all-the-way-through, shiny, new, bottom tooth was pushed forward! In a panic I immediately called the Dr.'s office and asked to speak to a nurse. Here's why that was a BAD idea...

You can't just TALK to a nurse... they have to call you back! I knew this because this wasn't my first rodeo but come on, this is sort of an emergency, not the kind that requires a visit to the ER, but you know what I mean!

The nurse didn't call back for 30 minutes... 30 minutes is a LONG time when you are waiting to find out whether or not your child's smile is compromised!

During those frantic 30 minutes, (when I was absolutely freaking out, not knowing what to do), I decided I better call my supportive spouse and tell him how I allowed our 10 mth. old to some how loosen his pearly white! I thought for sure that Spouse would leave work and come home to support me in person... WRONG! He decided instead to stay there and call every 5 minutes to see if I'd heard back from the nurse!

After 20 minutes of waiting on the nurse I finally calmed down enough to realize just how stupid I was being for waiting on what would ultimately result in me calling the dentist... so I called the dentist (who was 20 minutes down the road and closing in an hour and 10 minutes)!

The dentist decided he needed to see Max and asked if we could come right away because we'd have to fill out some paperwork. By that time Spouse came home (to support me in person), and we were on our way to find out what damage had been done.

With 30 minutes to spare before the dentist office would be closing we ran in expecting to be rushed back immediately but the paperwork needed filling out first... 20 minutes later (or 10 minutes to closing), we were finally taken back to the exam room!

22 dollars later we were told that nature would take it's course over the next week. The tooth will either reposition itself and harden back up, fall out on it's own or turn black and need to be pulled! We're hoping it repositions itself!!! He also advised that we keep him from chewing on anything (YAH, RIGHT), and offer only soft foods (which Max doesn't really care for)!

Mommy guilt kicked in while we were sitting in the exam chair and I cried all the way home with my supportive spouse making, "I'm gonna knock your teeth out comments", all the way home! THANKS DARLING!

So we wait. And in case you were wondering, he is still biting the body part that feeds him so he must not be in too much pain and agony!

If you're like me, a self-help guide always comes in handy... oh yeah, they have one for anything online... check it out if you are a parent to a wobbly toddler or if you have boys!

http://www.howcast.com/videos/324751-How-To-Deal-With-a-KnockedOut-Baby-Tooth